Updated 'Lord of the Dance' to take Stranahan stage

Zachary Klingenberg was 18 when his fancy footwork landed him a dream role in Lord of the Dance which takes the Stranahan Theater stage at 8 tonight.

"The most rewarding part is getting into that role and giving back to the audience and having them appreciate what's being done on stage," said the Columbus native, who dances the title role.

Klingenberg joined the cast two days after graduation and now, at age 20, said he's happy to be touring eight to 10 months a year and dancing six to eight shows a week in this Michael Flatley tale based on mythical Irish folklore interpreted through Irish dance.

"The opening scene is a kind of a spirit awakening and the whole thing is kind of like her dream of the good lord versus the dark lord," Klingenberg said.

About 40 dancers perform during the 90-minute show set to traditional and modern Celtic music. There are two troupes performing in North America and Europe. More than 60 million people in 68 countries have watched this show that recently celebrated its 16th anniversary in America.

"Audiences are due to expect an updated and into-the-future set. It's been recently revamped with a brand new set, brand new costumes. It's a bright, powerful production. It will be an explosive experience in a story line that can relate to people of all ages around the world," Klingenberg said.

"Lord of the Dance" will be performed at 8 tonight at the Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. Ticket prices range between $35 and $60. Information: 419-381-8851 or theaterleague.com.

Missing Tenor

A Cleveland Opera Company's general manager is determined to make the show go on this weekend when the Waterville Playshop presents Lend Me a Tenor at the Maumee Indoor Theater.

Mistaken identity, misunderstanding, double entendres, and much chasing keep this Ken Ludwig farce rolling when Martin Boyer as Tito Merelli, a world-famous tenor, is due to make his United States debut.

The tenor doesn't arrive on time and Mike Willinger as Saunders, the opera general manager, isn't going to let that ruin the evening.

Lend Me a Tenor opened on Broadway in March, 1989, and closed in April, 1990, after 476 performances. It won 1989 Tony Awards for Best Actor and Best Direction.

"Lend Me a Tenor" will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Maumee Indoor Theater, 601 Conant St., Maumee. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger. Tickets are $10 at the door. Information: 419-897-8901 or watervilleplayshop.org.

Grand Illusion

TECUMSEH, Mich. -- Jason Bishop brings his sleight-of-hand self-titled show Saturday to the Tecumseh Center for the Arts.

Bishop engages audiences with his wit and knack for making the impossible seem possible. His illusions are projected on a huge movie screen. He's been known to transform a single dollar bill into a $100 bill, do double levitation, and make a goldfish appear from nowhere. Multiple costume changes, lighting, and a pop/rock soundtrack are part of Bishop's performance. He has performed throughout the United States and in New Mexico.

The Jason Bishop Show will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh, Mich. Tickets are $26 for adults, $24 for seniors, and $20 for those 18 and younger. Information: 517-423-6617 or thetca.org.

Please send theater items at least two weeks in advance to jnjaim@theblade.com.

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